Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: POET

Location: Sioux Falls, SD

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Marketing

Date Posted: 2026-11-04T00:00:00

Experience Level: Entry-level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Execute and produce a wide range of print and digital marketing collateral, including brochures, social media content, and website graphics, ensuring adherence to brand guidelines.

• Support senior designers and the creative director in developing and implementing creative concepts and larger design initiatives, contributing to compelling visual communications.

• Adapt, resize, and format existing creative assets for various platforms and applications, preparing production-ready files for print and digital distribution.

• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including marketing and business stakeholders, to understand project requirements and deliver creative solutions that align with business objectives.

• Manage assigned design projects, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment while maintaining high standards of quality and brand consistency.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is explicitly defined as an "On-site" position in Sioux Falls, SD, indicating a requirement for physical presence in the office. The "Graphic Designer I" title and the emphasis on foundational experience and supporting larger initiatives suggest an entry-level to junior role, ideal for individuals with a strong academic background and some internship or project-based practical experience. The responsibilities clearly point towards a production-focused role within a marketing or creative department, emphasizing execution and adherence to established brand standards.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and produce diverse print and digital marketing materials such as brochures, flyers, posters, banners, tradeshow graphics, advertisements, presentations, website graphics, and social media content.

• Assist the Creative Director and fellow designers in executing established creative concepts, campaigns, and larger design initiatives, contributing to the overall visual strategy.

• Adapt, resize, format, and update existing creative assets to meet the specific requirements of various platforms, formats, and applications, ensuring optimal display and performance.

• Prepare and package final production-ready files for print vendors, digital platforms, and internal distribution, ensuring all technical specifications are met.

• Maintain and meticulously apply POET's established brand guidelines across all creative materials, ensuring consistent typography, color palettes, imagery, and overall visual identity.

• Conduct visual research, develop mood boards, and gather reference materials to inform initial design concepts and support creative project development.

• Collaborate closely with designers, marketing team members, and business stakeholders to thoroughly understand project requirements and deliver effective creative solutions.

• Perform basic photo editing, retouching, and image optimization for both print and digital applications, ensuring visual quality and brand alignment.

• Assist with occasional photography needs and the sourcing of stock imagery or other necessary visual assets to complete projects.

• Manage assigned design projects, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment, balancing multiple requests simultaneously without compromising quality.

• Proactively communicate project status, identify potential challenges, and articulate resource needs to ensure timely and successful project completion.

• Facilitate routine project reviews, manage revisions, and oversee approval processes in collaboration with the creative and marketing teams.

• Organize and maintain working files, adhering to established creative workflows and best practices for file management.

• Build positive working relationships across departments, fostering a collaborative and team-oriented environment that champions POET's mission and values.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong production and execution focus, with significant emphasis on adapting existing assets and ensuring brand consistency. The inclusion of tasks like "basic photo editing" and "assisting with photography needs" suggests that while core design skills are paramount, a broader understanding of visual asset creation and management is beneficial. The project management aspects indicate a need for organizational skills and proactive communication.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, Digital Media, or a closely related field is preferred. Experience:

• Foundational experience in graphic design, demonstrated through professional work, internships, academic projects, or equivalent practical experience.

• A strong portfolio is required, showcasing solid design fundamentals, creativity, exceptional attention to detail, and the ability to produce polished visual communications. Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud, with a strong emphasis on Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop.

• Solid understanding of core graphic design principles, including typography, layout, composition, color theory, and visual hierarchy.

• Basic knowledge of print production processes, including file preparation, color management, and understanding of different print methods.

• Ability to effectively apply and maintain established brand guidelines across various design projects.

• Experience in creating and adapting graphics for multiple print and digital formats, understanding their specific requirements.

• Strong organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail, particularly in preparing final production-ready files.

• Basic photo editing, retouching, and image optimization skills.

• Familiarity with presentation design software, specifically Microsoft PowerPoint, for creating impactful visuals. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with digital design specifications and best practices for web and social media.

• Familiarity with content management systems (CMS) or website design principles.

• Basic understanding of motion graphics or video editing software.

• Experience with asset management systems or digital libraries.

• Knowledge of UX/UI principles as they apply to web graphics.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Adobe Creative Suite proficiency, especially Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop, is standard for graphic design roles. The requirement for a portfolio is critical for assessing practical skills. The "foundational experience" suggests that candidates with significant internship experience or strong academic project portfolios will be competitive, even with limited professional tenure. The mention of PowerPoint indicates a need for versatility beyond core design software.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio is required for application.

• Showcase a range of design projects that demonstrate proficiency in typography, layout, color theory, and visual hierarchy.

• Include examples of both print and digital design work, illustrating adaptability across different mediums.

• Highlight projects where established brand guidelines were effectively applied and maintained.

• Present case studies or project descriptions that explain your design process, problem-solving approach, and the intended impact of your work.

• Ensure all portfolio pieces are high-resolution and professionally presented, reflecting attention to detail. Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the design production workflow, from concept development to final file preparation for print and digital output.

• Show evidence of ability to adapt and resize existing creative assets for various applications, detailing the process of ensuring consistency and quality.

• Illustrate experience in preparing production-ready files, including knowledge of bleed, trim, color profiles, and resolution requirements for print vendors.

• Provide examples of how you manage feedback and revisions, incorporating them into the design process to achieve desired outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a portfolio is a standard but crucial element for design roles. The emphasis here is on demonstrating practical application of design principles, brand adherence, and the ability to manage the full design lifecycle from ideation to production-ready files. Candidates should curate their portfolios to directly address these points, showcasing versatility and process.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• While a specific salary range is not provided, entry-level Graphic Designer I positions in Sioux Falls, SD, typically range from $45,000 to $60,000 annually. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for similar roles in the region, considering the experience level (0-2 years) and the responsibilities outlined. Actual compensation will be determined by the candidate's specific qualifications, skills, and experience. Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Generous employer contribution to Health Savings Accounts (HSAs).

• Quarterly Profit-Sharing Bonuses.

• Bi-Annual Incentive Bonuses.

• Competitive pay structure.

• 401K retirement plan with company match.

• Paid time off (PTO) and paid holidays, with 40 hours available from day one.

• Paid Parental Leave.

• Tuition reimbursement program.

• Attractive Relocation Assistance and Bonus Programs for qualifying positions.

• Multifaceted wellness program (mental, physical, spiritual).

• Onsite fitness centers or fitness reimbursements.

• Safety and cold weather gear reimbursements.

• Discounted home and auto insurance. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, typically 40 hours per week. Specific daily schedules will be discussed during the interview process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided benefits are extensive and highly attractive, indicating a strong focus on employee well-being and financial security. The inclusion of profit-sharing and incentive bonuses, alongside a robust PTO policy and wellness programs, suggests a positive and supportive work environment. The salary estimate is a benchmark and should be confirmed with the employer.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: POET operates in the bioethanol and sustainable products industry, a sector focused on renewable resources and environmental stewardship. This industry context emphasizes innovation, efficiency, and a commitment to sustainability.

Company Size: POET is a large producer and marketer of bioethanol and sustainable products, suggesting a substantial organization with established processes and a significant market presence. The company size implies a structured environment with opportunities for diverse career paths.

Founded: POET has been in operation for over thirty-five years, indicating a stable company with deep industry experience and a proven track record. This longevity suggests a strong organizational foundation and a commitment to long-term growth.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will work within a creative team, likely reporting to a Creative Director.

• Collaboration is expected with fellow designers, project managers, and members of the broader marketing and business teams.

• The company emphasizes a "Culture is King" philosophy, promoting teamwork, open communication, and a "park your egos at the door" mentality.

• This structure suggests a supportive environment where cross-functional collaboration is encouraged to achieve shared objectives. Methodology:

• The company's mission to convert renewable resources efficiently points to a culture that values process optimization and innovation.

• The "Culture is King" philosophy implies a focus on strong interpersonal dynamics, communication, and mutual respect as foundational to operational success.

• POET likely employs data-driven approaches to optimize production and marketing efforts, although this specific role is more focused on creative execution and brand representation.

Company Website: https://www.poet.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: POET's emphasis on sustainability, culture, and teamwork provides a strong backdrop for understanding the company's values. The "Culture is King" philosophy is a key differentiator, suggesting that interpersonal skills and a team-oriented mindset are as important as technical design abilities. The company's long history and leadership in its industry imply stability and a commitment to excellence.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a "Graphic Designer I," indicating an entry-level to junior position. It’s designed for individuals beginning their professional design careers, focusing on executing established concepts and supporting larger initiatives under guidance. The scope involves producing various creative assets and maintaining brand consistency.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will report to a Creative Director and work closely with fellow designers and project managers. This structure provides mentorship and a clear hierarchy for creative direction and project oversight. Collaboration with marketing and business stakeholders is also a key aspect of the reporting and communication flow.

Operations Impact: While not a direct "operations" role in the sense of process optimization or revenue enablement, this Graphic Designer's work directly impacts POET's external brand perception, marketing effectiveness, and internal communications. High-quality visual assets are crucial for conveying the company's mission, values, and product offerings, thereby supporting sales and marketing objectives and contributing to overall business success.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Opportunities to learn and grow design skills, technical proficiency, and creative problem-solving abilities. This includes taking on increasingly complex projects and gaining greater creative ownership.

• Career Progression: Potential to advance to higher-level designer roles (e.g., Graphic Designer II, Senior Graphic Designer) within POET's creative team, based on performance and acquired skills.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Gaining experience working with various departments, understanding different business needs, and contributing to a wider range of projects.

• Mentorship: Learning from experienced Creative Directors and senior designers, benefiting from their expertise and guidance.

• Company Culture Immersion: Deepening understanding of POET's mission, values, and unique "Culture is King" philosophy, which can foster long-term career loyalty and growth within the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth trajectory for this role is clearly defined by the "Designer I" title, focusing on foundational skill-building and increasing project complexity. The company's stated commitment to internal development and providing resources for skill enhancement is a significant positive for candidates looking for a stable, growth-oriented environment.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The position operates within an office environment, primarily at a personal computer. The Sioux Falls office features an open-concept design, intended to foster open communication and collaboration among team members.

Office Location(s): The role is specifically located at POET's office in Sioux Falls, SD. This indicates an on-site requirement.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Atmosphere: The open-concept design encourages frequent interaction with colleagues, promoting a team-oriented approach to design challenges and project execution.

• Tools and Technology: Access to a personal computer and likely the full Adobe Creative Cloud suite is expected, enabling efficient design work.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with fellow designers, creative directors, project managers, and marketing teams, facilitating knowledge sharing and collaborative problem-solving.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, implying a standard 40-hour work week. While the environment is described as collaborative, the open-concept design may require focused work periods, and team events suggest a balance between work and social engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The open-concept office design is a key aspect of the work environment, suggesting a culture that values transparency and direct communication. This can be both a pro and a con depending on individual work style, but it aligns with the company's stated emphasis on teamwork and open communication.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Application review, focusing on resume, portfolio, and alignment with basic qualifications.

• Portfolio Review: Candidates will likely present their portfolio, discussing their design process, problem-solving approaches, and the rationale behind their creative choices. This is a critical stage for assessing practical skills and design thinking.

• Skills Assessment: A potential practical design exercise or skills test may be administered to evaluate proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and ability to execute tasks under timed conditions.

• Interviews: Behavioral and situational interviews with the hiring manager (likely Creative Director) and potentially other team members to assess cultural fit, collaboration skills, communication style, and problem-solving abilities. Questions will likely probe understanding of brand guidelines, ability to take direction, and project management skills.

• Final Evaluation: Assessment of overall fit with the team, company culture, and the specific demands of the Graphic Designer I role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent your skills relevant to POET's needs (print, digital, brand adherence).

• Showcase Process: For each project, explain the brief, your design process, challenges faced, solutions implemented, and the final outcome or impact.

• Highlight Brand Consistency: Include examples where you successfully applied or adapted existing brand guidelines.

• Demonstrate Versatility: If possible, include a mix of print and digital work.

• Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate, whether digital or physical. Use high-quality mockups.

• Prepare Talking Points: Be ready to discuss your design choices, software proficiency, and how your skills align with POET's mission and culture.

Challenge Preparation:

• Brand Application Exercise: Be prepared to receive a brief and create a simple asset (e.g., social media graphic, flyer) adhering to POET's brand guidelines.

• File Preparation Task: You might be asked to demonstrate how you would prepare a design file for print or web, showcasing your understanding of technical specifications.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Expect questions about how you would handle conflicting feedback, tight deadlines, or creative blocks. Focus on your communication and problem-solving strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily rely on the portfolio. Candidates should meticulously prepare it to showcase not just aesthetic skills but also their understanding of brand, process, and problem-solving. The emphasis on "Culture is King" means cultural fit will be a significant factor.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud: Essential proficiency required, specifically:

  • Adobe Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, illustrations, and complex layouts.
  • Adobe InDesign: For page layout, brochure design, flyers, posters, and multi-page documents.
  • Adobe Photoshop: For image editing, retouching, photo manipulation, and digital graphics creation.

• Microsoft PowerPoint: Familiarity is required for presentation design and creating visual content for business stakeholders.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus for this role, understanding how design impacts digital performance (e.g., website graphics, social media content) would be beneficial. Familiarity with basic analytics concepts related to visual content engagement is a plus. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this design role, but an understanding of how marketing collateral integrates with CRM or marketing automation platforms could be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirements are centered around the Adobe Creative Suite. Proficiency in Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop is non-negotiable. Basic familiarity with PowerPoint is also a key requirement, indicating the need for versatility in creating business-oriented visual materials.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Stewardship of the Earth: A core value driving POET's mission, emphasizing sustainability and responsible resource conversion. This translates to a company that values forward-thinking and environmental consciousness.

• Teamwork: Central to POET's philosophy ("Culture is King," "We're all on the same team"). This means collaboration, mutual support, and a collective approach to achieving goals are highly valued.

• Communication: "We always communicate" is a key tenet, suggesting an expectation of open, honest, and frequent dialogue within and between teams.

• Ego-Free Environment: "Park our egos at the door" signifies a culture that prioritizes collective success and humility over individual recognition, fostering a less competitive and more supportive atmosphere.

• Work-Life Balance: POET aims to provide an environment that optimizes health, wellness, and productivity sustainably, indicating a commitment to employee well-being.

Collaboration Style:

• Open and Collaborative: The open-concept office and stated values promote direct interaction and cross-functional teamwork.

• Supportive and Respectful: The "ego-free" environment encourages mutual respect and a willingness to help colleagues.

• Goal-Oriented: While fostering a positive culture, the ultimate aim is to support business objectives through effective creative execution.

• Communication-Focused: Regular communication is expected to ensure alignment, share progress, and address challenges efficiently.

📝 Enhancement Note: POET's "Culture is King" philosophy is a significant cultural driver. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate how they embody these values – particularly teamwork, open communication, and a humble, collaborative approach – during the interview process.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Multiple Projects: As a Graphic Designer I, you'll likely manage several design tasks simultaneously with varying deadlines, requiring strong organizational and prioritization skills.

• Adhering to Strict Brand Guidelines: Consistently applying POET's brand identity across diverse materials while still expressing creativity can be a nuanced challenge.

• Taking Creative Direction: Effectively incorporating feedback from senior designers and stakeholders while maintaining your creative vision requires strong communication and adaptability.

• Learning New Processes/Software: As an entry-level role, there will be opportunities and expectations to learn new design techniques, software features, or internal workflows.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Mentorship from Senior Designers: Direct guidance from experienced professionals to hone technical and creative skills.

• Exposure to Diverse Projects: Working on a wide range of marketing collateral provides broad experience in different design applications.

• Understanding of Brand Strategy: Developing a deeper appreciation for how design supports broader marketing and business objectives.

• Professional Development: POET's commitment to internal development and providing resources suggests opportunities for training, workshops, or potentially certifications related to design software or marketing principles.

• Career Advancement: A clear path to progress within the design team based on performance and skill acquisition.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for an entry-level design role but are framed within a supportive company culture that emphasizes growth. The opportunities for learning and development are significant, particularly given the company's stated commitment to internal advancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to adapt an existing design to meet new specifications. What was your process?" (Assesses adaptability, attention to detail, and understanding of asset modification.)

• "How do you ensure brand consistency across different types of marketing collateral?" (Tests understanding of brand guidelines and systematic application.)

• "Walk us through your design process for a project you are particularly proud of. What were the challenges and how did you overcome them?" (Evaluates design thinking, problem-solving, and portfolio presentation skills.)

• "How do you handle constructive criticism or feedback on your designs?" (Probes receptiveness to direction and collaborative spirit, key to POET's culture.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about POET's mission and our 'Culture is King' philosophy?" (Requires research on POET's sustainability efforts and understanding of their cultural tenets.)

• "How do you contribute to a collaborative team environment?" (Assesses teamwork and interpersonal skills, aligning with POET's values.)

• "Describe a situation where you had to work with a challenging stakeholder or navigate conflicting priorities. How did you handle it?" (Tests communication, problem-solving, and professionalism.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: For each project, clearly state the objective, your role, the process, key design decisions, and the outcome.

• Highlight Technical Skills: Be ready to discuss the software you used and specific techniques employed.

• Emphasize Brand Adherence: Show specific examples of how you maintained or applied brand guidelines.

• Prepare for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design choices, problem-solving, and how your work aligns with POET's brand and mission.

• Engage and Converse: Treat it as a discussion, not just a presentation. Ask clarifying questions and show genuine interest.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only design competence but also alignment with POET's specific cultural values (teamwork, communication, humility) and a clear understanding of their mission. The portfolio is the primary tool for showcasing technical and creative abilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday link, ensuring all required fields are completed accurately.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate a portfolio that specifically highlights your proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop, with a strong emphasis on print and digital marketing collateral. Include examples demonstrating your ability to adhere to brand guidelines and your design process.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize relevant design skills, software proficiency, any internship or project experience, and soft skills such as communication, collaboration, and attention to detail. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice discussing your portfolio projects, focusing on your design process, problem-solving, and how your work aligns with POET's mission and "Culture is King" philosophy. Prepare thoughtful questions about the role, team, and company.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with POET's mission, values, and recent initiatives. Understand their commitment to sustainability and their unique company culture to articulate your genuine interest and cultural fit.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.